Lindsay Lohan hasn’t exactly had the best press as of late, but her starring role in Lifetime‘s biopic Liz & Dick may have shed a least a little positive light on this struggling actress’ career. The flick is the story of the tumultuous yet fascinating love story of Elizabeth Taylor (Lohan) and Richard Burton (Grant Fowler), who met on set of Cleopatra in 1960, while they were both married. This relationship, which was deemed an “erotic vagrancy” by the Vatican at the time, lead to one of the most famous love affairs in history. I won’t go too far into the story, but if you can’t get enough of old Hollywood love, I suggest you look into it!

Which brings me to Liz & Dick: was it a true portrayal of this epically passionate story? I’m torn. Some critics, professional and otherwise (especially via Twitter), were harsh on Lohan from the start. When she was cast in this role, I was also pretty intrigued, especially since she has been a stranger to the spotlight lately–that is, when it comes to positive movie roles. Growing up with the child star probably gave me the little glimmer of hope that I did actually have, so I tuned into Liz & Dick with a positive mind. The movie itself, which ran for approximately two hours with commercials, did seem a little condensed. Most of the scenes were brief, and sometimes characters seemed a little confusing. I did some quick research online during uncertain moments, but for the most part it was easy to follow.

It wasn’t the best movie of all time, which fits its made-for-Lifetime identity, but certainly not the worst. I have to say, the acting also wasn’t spectacular, and the back drops were a little cheesy. Miss Taylor was quite the jet setter, so I assume filming every destination wasn’t within Lifetime‘s budget. So what did they spend their money on? Costumes, and superb ones at that! I personally LOVE old Hollywood glam, and whoever was behind the fashion in this flick hit the nail on the head. Most of the looks are almost spot on to their originals, including the wedding scene with Taylor and Burton. Check out my favorites below!

Elizabeth and Richard looking chic in all black during the “staged” interview scenes that popped up throughout the movie.

During their first marriage scene, Lohan and Fowler pay homage to Taylor and Burton’s love by wearing almost identical garments during this iconic scene.

During one of the numerous love scenes, Lohan brings Taylor’s undeniably classic sexuality to life. On her relationship with Burton, Taylor was quoted saying, “I can tell you what I think is sexy in a man. It has to do with warmth, a personal givingness, not self-awareness. Richard [Burton] is a very sexy man. He’s got that sort of jungle essence that one can sense. It’s not the way he combs his hair, not the things he wears; he doesn’t think about having muscles. It’s what he says and thinks.”

And my personal favorite: Elizabeth looking amazing by the pool, noted in the movie as the first time Burton had ever laid eyes on her (at a party far before starring in Cleopatra together).She had an elegance about her no matter where she was, and that was perfectly depicted in Liz & Dick.

It goes without saying that there is no possible way to perfectly reenact the life of such a Hollywood legend. This attempt was good enough for me, though. It has sparked an interest in me, and I can’t wait to read-up on her further. The most interesting thing I’ve discovered so far? Burton would write letters to Elizabeth almost every day, and the one he wrote to her the day he died (long after they had divorced–for the second time), she kept on her bedside until she passed in 2011. Ahhhh… I am such a sucker for Hollywood romance. 🙂

Did you watch Liz & Dick? Did Lindsay Lohan live up to her role as the iconic Elizabeth Taylor? Sound off below or @20sTweet!